Eye-catching sand animation and model exhibitions by young and budding engineers marked the formal start of the four-day annual techno-management festival 'Technex 2012' at the Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University  (IT-BHU), on Sunday. Noted foreign affairs advisor Opali Aparajita formally inaugurated the fest at Swatantrata Bhawan. Earlier, a number of interesting events including model exhibition (Modex) showcasing a number of technical innovations and models, along with Balvigyaan (a quiz show), were held in the day.

Vasudev Gupta, student convenor, said that a hosts of interesting events including snake and ladder, aqua combat (underwater robotics), Goldberg's Alley (making robotic movements through difficult terrain), dash n trounce and powerful robotic tussles were witnessed in the day. The final rounds of high speed computer games including FIFA were also played in the day. Under the management events, presentations of business plans and brain storming case studies were also held, he added.

During the formal inauguration ceremony, a number of senior faculty members including dean, faculty of engineering (IT-BHU) G N Agrawal and president of IT-Gymkhana R K Mandal were also present. A special kite show was also held in which young students enjoyed flying kites to mark the festival of Makar Sankranti on Sunday.